Portugal v Wales is so much more than Ronaldo v Bale

Let's ignore Ronaldo and Bale for the time being. The key to the first semifinal in Lyon could be the absence of suspended Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

As important as Bale has been to the Dragons with his three goals, Ramsey´s four assists and a goal have arguably been more crucial. He was everywhere in the last eight triumph over Belgium. He is the link between the defence and Bale and his suspension will hit Wales very hard given they have no obvious world class replacement.

Two nations

"It's not about two players, it is about two nations in a semifinal, 11 men against 11 men," said Bale. "Everybody knows that really."

France could bring in Moussa Sissoko for the suspended N'Golo Kante in their quarterfinal romp over Iceland, but Wales do not have that luxury. Leicester City's Andy King could come in for Ramsey, and though his club enjoyed a fairytale English title success last season, he was mainly a substitute. In any case, Welsh media say unheralded Jonathan Williams, who played in the English second tier last term, may step in instead.

Losing Arsenal midfielder Ramsey, to a suspension many neutrals feel is unfair, could have decided the outcome of the last four clash before it even begins.

An immense spirit has been a major factor in Wales making it to this stage in their first European Championship appearance. But determination can only take you so far.

Steep learning curve

Charismatic Wales coach Chris Coleman said it had been a steep learning curve for his team coming to terms with some of international football’s darker arts, where players seek to gain an advantage by breaking or bending the rules while escaping punishment.

“At this level of international football, someone makes a wrong decision and within two or three seconds you are behind in the game,” Coleman told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s about being streetwise and we used to be far too honest. We’ve got better at that. Sometimes it’s not very pretty, it can look ugly. Anything you need to do to stay in the game you do it.”

Lumbered through

Another worry for Coleman, who took over after the suicide of close friend Gary Speed in 2011, is that Portugal have not even played well yet. Surely Fernando Santos' side have to click at some point having lumbered through the group stage with three draws and then winning their two knockout round clashes in extra time against Croatia and in a penalty shooutout against Poland.

New Bayern Munich signing Renato Sanches has looked very lively, but their overall play has been scrappy and their defence has looked shaky at times. They also lack an out-and-out striker with winger Nani having operated there.

But yes, they have Ronaldo.

Two goals in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Hungary have been his only meaningful contributions on the pitch along with his penalty in the quarterfinal shootout win over Poland. He does not look fully fit after a gruelling season for Real Madrid, but it is his role as captain which may make the difference.

Unlikely final

He is often seen as an individualist, but footage has emerged of him geeing up team mate Joao Moutinho ahead of the shootout with Poland and Ronaldo may still be able to drag his team over the line and reach an unlikely final.

“Cristiano has led by example here,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said on Tuesday. “The way he is on the training ground, with his team mates, he’s been impeccable.”

Portugal's progress would not be as unlikely as Wales reaching the showpiece at the Stade de France on Sunday against either France or Germany. They were rank outsiders at the start but have helped light up the tournament along with Iceland.

Bale will be desperate to outshine Ronaldo and produce a moment of magic to seal a dream final for the tiny nation. However, he will probably wish Ramsey was with him.